Are your sleeping pillows having a musty or unpleasant odor? Or have they started to feel stale? 

Studies by The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology show that around 70 - 400 mg of dust is found in used pillows. This dust consisted of skin flakes, dirt, and particles from the room. 

We understand that washing and maintaining pillows' freshness seems hectic, but no more! DZEE Home crafted this blog to share simple and easy ways to not only clean, but also keep your pillows fresh for longer.

Why Cleaning Your Sleeping Pillow Is Essential

Multiple studies have been conducted to understand the effect of clean pillows on human health. These studies show how pillows absorb moisture from skin and hair, becoming a damp and dark breeding ground for bacteria. 

Moreover, a significant amount of dust mites have been found in pillow dust. These dust mites feed on dead skin, causing skin issues. 

Health Concerns

Unclean pillows pose multiple health risks for you, such as:

Respiratory Issues

Trapped dust mites and other microorganisms feed on the dead skin cells. The waste products of these organisms are the allergens that trigger most of the severe allergies and asthma flare-ups.

Absorption of sweat, saliva, and other fluids in your sleeping pillows allows the growth of mold inside. This growth causes mold spores to travel through your respiratory system, worsening asthma and inducing sinus congestion.

Skin Issues

Bacteria, absorbed oils, and dead skin cells can reabsorb into your skin during sleep, causing skin irritation, clogging pores, or acne. 

Staphylococcus aureus is a well-known bacterium found in dirty pillows, causing skin infections and diseases.

Poor Sleep Quality 

Pillows get flattened by the weight of dirt and fluid, losing their plushness and shape. This results in a lack of support for the neck and head. Such a lack of support leads to neck pain, back pain, uneasy sleep, and headaches. 

Longevity Of Your Sleeping Pillows

Not cleaning your sleeping pillows properly hinders your investment and increases pillow replacement costs significantly.

Reduced Effectiveness

A dirty pillow gets lumpy due to moisture and eventually loses its effectiveness to support your head and neck during sleep. 

Short Life Span

Yellowed, musty-smelling, and torn-down pillows are often a result of improper care. Hence, the sleeping pillows need to be replaced more frequently, causing extra expense. 

How To Get Better Sleep Quality?

Better sleep comes with the best bedding! Starting with your sleeping pillow, make sure to properly maintain your pillows, wash them as recommended (Overwashing pillows can cause as much damage as not washing them enough).

However, maintaining your pillows is the secondary standard; the first one is to buy quality sleeping pillows. If you're buying pillows that frequently need replacement after a few months, even after taking adequate care, your pillows might be the real problem here. 

Buying good-quality pillows ensures that your pillows last longer than average pillows. Plus, with adequate care, these pillows can reduce your replacement cost by as much as half.

How Often Should You Clean Your Pillows?

Sleeping pillows should be washed every 3 - 6 months. It’s highly recommended to wash them on the 4th month; however, once every six months is compulsory. 

The ideal wash frequency depends on the type of pillow fill. So, it’s best to check the care label of your pillow. You can also remarkably delay pillow wash cycles by using pillow protectors.

Instead of washing pillows, you can just toss the pillow protectors in the washing machine with your other linen and get fresh pillows to sleep on. With the usage of pillow protectors, sleeping pillows need to be washed every 6 to 8 months.

Step-By-Step Guide: How To Clean Sleeping Pillows At Home

You can wash pillows in a machine as well as by hand according to the care label.

How To Machine Wash

Check the care label to see if your sleeping pillows are machine washable.

• It’s highly recommended to wash two or more pillows together, instead of a single pillow.

• Use soft detergents and skip fabric softeners. 

• Select the gentle cycle and use cold or warm water.

• Add an extra rinse cycle to ensure all detergent is removed.

• Squeeze out excess water gently.

How To Hand-Wash Towels

Washing towels by hand isn’t as hectic as it sounds.

• Get a big tub; if not available, you can use bath tub as one. 

• Fill the tub with lukewarm water and mild detergent. 

• Soak the pillow in the solution for a good two hours.

• Do not twist or wring the pillow.

• Gently rub the stains with your hands.

• Rinse the pillow under normal temperature or cold water. 

How To Dry Sleeping Pillows

Sleeping pillows can be dried in the dryer at a low heat setting, along with dryer balls or tennis balls.

For air drying, put the damp pillow on a towel and flip it over time to time to ensure even drying.

Quick Daily & Weekly Pillow Freshening Tips

Here’s how you can keep your pillows fresh for longer periods of time.

Daily Freshening

• Fluff pillows each morning to redistribute filling and air out.

• Air out bed and pillows for 15-30 minutes daily by pulling back sheets.

• Immediately spot clean spills with a damp cloth and mild detergent.

Weekly Freshening

• Change pillowcases weekly, or more often if needed.

• Rotate and flip pillows weekly for even wear.

• Air pillows outdoors on a dry, sunny day for a few hours, and avoid intense, prolonged sunlight for memory foam.

• Vacuum pillows weekly with an upholstery attachment to remove dust and allergens.

Why Invest in DZEE Home Pillows For the Best Quality Sleeping Pillows

When you choose DZEE Home, you're not just buying a pillow; you're investing in superior sleep and lasting quality. Our commitment to excellence extends beyond our luxurious pillows to a full range of bedding products and exquisite bath linen. We understand that a truly comfortable home is built on a foundation of quality and thoughtful design.

By selecting DZEE Home, you're making a smart choice for your well-being. Our entire collection, from supportive pillows to soft sheets and absorbent towels, is designed to enhance your daily comfort and elevate your home experience. Investing in DZEE Home means investing in a lifestyle of serene sleep and indulgent self-care, ensuring every detail contributes to your ultimate relaxation.

Final Words

This blog offers comprehensive guidance on cleaning and maintaining sleeping pillows to ensure freshness and extend their lifespan. By following these easy steps, you can prevent health issues and improve sleep quality.

Elevate your sleep experience today, explore DZEE Home's premium collection of pillows and bedding.